Seagulls c. 1830s

"Seagulls" is an uchiwa-e (fan painting) by the renowned Japanese artist Yamada Hōgyoku. Created around the 1830s, the work showcases Hōgyoku's talent for capturing the delicate beauty of nature. The painting depicts two seagulls perched on a wave, their white plumage contrasted against the light blue water. Hōgyoku's skillful use of brushstrokes and subtle colors creates a sense of motion and tranquility, capturing the essence of these graceful birds in their natural habitat. This small-scale work, now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection, exemplifies the artistic mastery of Hōgyoku and the enduring appeal of Japanese nature paintings.